How to Treat a Chapped Nose on a Dog

While a wet nose is synonymous with a happy dog, a dry, chapped nose can be indicative of an unhealthy canine. A dog's skin should be free of scabs, growths, red areas, white flakes and black "dirt," or flea droppings, which includes the nose area. While a chapped nose on your four-legged friend could simply be the result of prolonged sun exposure, it can also be a symptom of a larger problem, such as a flea infestation. Use natural means of restoring moisture to your dog's chapped nose, and monitor your dog's nose on a daily basis for signs of improvement or a worsening condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Vitamin E oil
  • Aloe vera gel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your dog for signs of fleas, such as black "dirt" or flea droppings on the skin and coat. One of the reasons a dog's nose could get chapped is an overactive immune system, as the immune systems of flea-ridden pooches are working overtime. If you do find signs of fleas, treat your dog accordingly and thoroughly vacuum your house on a daily basis to get rid of any home infestations.

    • 2

      Keep your dog inside during peak sun hours, as prolonged exposure to sunlight is another factor that can lead to chapped noses in dogs. If your dog has to play during peak sun, try to keep it in shaded areas as much as possible.

    • 3

      Apply topical treatments, such as vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel. Both of these treatments are highly moisturizing and will not affect your dog negatively if ingested. You might want to administer the vitamin E oil orally as well as topically to further aid your dog's chapped nose.

    • 4

      Seek medical testing if your dog's nose remains chapped or worsens after about a month or longer of treatment. The dog may require a biopsy to determine if the pooch requires oral or topical steroids related to prednisone to treat the condition.